This year’s election cycle has reminded me how far out of sync I must be with what “Americans” think is important when it comes to picking their leaders. It makes me wonder if people would seek out the same qualities if they were tasked with selecting new co-workers.

HOLLYWOOD — A new video explaining a bit of movie magic featured in box office blockblaster “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” shows Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o being transformed into a character featured in that galaxy far, far away.

Like a thief in the night, Congress recently approved a significant reduction to Social Security benefits for married and divorced couples. Few noticed because the revision was included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 approved in November to avoid a government shutdown.